Head to head
ESP E-II Horizon HT-II Granite Sparkle vs ESP LTD Gl Desert Eagle Black w/ Graphic
The verdict
The ESP E-II Horizon HT-II Granite Sparkle comes out ahead overall — 82 to 66 on our estimated score.
Estimated from specs & owner reviews — a starting point, not a substitute for playing both.
ESP E-II Horizon HT-II Granite Sparkle wins on
- Better build (97 vs 61)
- Better playability (81 vs 72)
- Better sound (74 vs 68)
- Better value (72 vs 64)
ESP LTD Gl Desert Eagle Black w/ Graphic wins on
- Lower price ($1,699 vs $3,099)
Scorecard
| Metric | E-II Horizon HT-II Granite Sparkle | LTD Gl Desert Eagle Black w/ Graphic |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 82 | 66 |
| Build | 97 | 61 |
| Playability | 81 | 72 |
| Sound | 74 | 68 |
| Value | 72 | 64 |
Full specifications
| Spec | E-II Horizon HT-II Granite Sparkle | LTD Gl Desert Eagle Black w/ Graphic |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | ESP | ESP |
| Type | Electric | Electric |
| Years | — | — |
| Country | JP | — |
| Body wood | Alder | Alder |
| Neck wood | 3Pc Maple | Maple |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Macassar Ebony |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 24 | 22 |
| Scale | 25.5" | 25.5" |
| Pickups | Fishman Fluence Modern Alnico 3-Voice Black Nickel Direct-Mount *(Pull Volume for Voice 3 / Pull Tone for Voice 2) / Fishman Fluence Modern Ceramic 3-Voice Black Nickel Direct-Mount *(Pull Volume for Voice 3 / Pull Tone for Voice 2) | ESP LS-120 *(Pull to Select) / Seymour Duncan ‘78 Direct Mount *(Push to Select) |
| Rating | — | — |
| Price | $3,099 | $1,699 |
| Bridge | Hipshot Fixed w/ String Thru | Floyd Rose 1000SE |
| Bridge pickup | Fishman Fluence Modern Ceramic 3-Voice Black Nickel Direct-Mount *(Pull Volume for Voice 3 / Pull Tone for Voice 2) | Seymour Duncan ‘78 Direct Mount *(Push to Select) |
| Case | MH GUITAR FORM FIT CASE | ST-TE Guitar Form Fit Case |
| Case Included | Y | Y |
| Construction | Neck-Thru | Bolt-On |
| Controls | Master Volume(Push/Pull)/Tone(Push/Pull)/Toggle Switch | Passive |
| Finish | Granite Sparkle | Black w/ Desert Eagle Graphic |
| Fretboard radius | 305mm | 305mm |
| Hardware | Black | Black |
| Neck pickup | Fishman Fluence Modern Alnico 3-Voice Black Nickel Direct-Mount *(Pull Volume for Voice 3 / Pull Tone for Voice 2) | ESP LS-120 *(Pull to Select) |
| Neck profile | Thin U | GL Original U |
| Nut | Bone | Locking |
| Nut width | 42mm | 43mm nut / 45mm neck width |
| Scale length | 25.5" | 25.5" |
| Strap Button | ESP Strap Lock | Standard |
| Tuners | Gotoh Locking | LTD |